TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A cadet who hails from Bangad, Tinglayan brings pride to Kalinga as he is set to graduate as an Athletic Saber awardee of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Cadet First Class John Rozz Oggang will receive the award after garnering one of the highest scores in physical activities and subjects among the PMA’s Madasigon (MAndirigmang may DAngal SImbolo ng Galing at PagbangON) Class of 2023.
Even before he entered the premier military institution, Oggang had a prodigious athletic background and even trained with the decorated mixed martial arts stable Team Lakay.
“Before entering the academy, I enjoyed physical activities. I joined various sports, not only combative sports but also basketball, archery, lawn tennis, badminton,” he said in an interview.
He will be joining the Air Force along with 75 other cadets from the graduating class.
Oggang shared that becoming a pilot has always been a childhood dream that could only be reached through the PMA. “Because [becoming a pilot] outside of the academy is very expensive,” he said.
At the encouragement of his mother and relatives, he joined the PMA to fulfill his dream and to serve the country.
He said he got through the academy’s rigorous program by doing his best in everything and always trying to exceed what he’s capable of. He echoes this as advice to PMA aspirants.
“Haan nga masapul nga dakayu ti kalaingan wennu dakayo ti kapigsaan, ti importante lang dituy ket i-maintain yu; you must be consistently disciplined,” he said.
Oggang, who lost his father while he was a cadet, also advised aspirants not to be daunted by challenges.
“I would just like to emphasize that even in difficult times we are in control of our minds and we are in control of our actions. I would like to inspire those young aspirants out there to continue even if you are at your lowest,” he said.
Oggang and the rest of the Madasigon class are set to graduate on May 21, 2023 in a ceremony that will be graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
